Whatever you do for a living, hard work and good attitude are kind of a big deal. Consider the cases of Senator newcomers Colin Greening and Nikita Filatov, both natural left wingers. Greening's hockey resume is much like that of a third or fourth line grinder. Good collegiate player, captain of his team, a 7th rounder with very run-of-the-mill stats. Filatov was captain of Russian World Junior team and considered one of the best 18 year olds in the world in the 2008 draft, going 6th overall.
Yet it's Greening who has played in every game and succeeded on the Senators' top line and power play. Meanwhile, Filatov has played just 4 games, now getting 5-6 minutes of ice time a night. Opportunity came knocking for Greening, mostly because his work ethic and attitude are off the charts.
Greening had just one goal in 23 AHL playoff games last season - 12th in Binghamton scoring. Not a first liner resume. He earned the chance because of character, shown late last season and again this year. Now Greening is probably shocking even himself at how well he's clicked with Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek so far. He's been like a missing puzzle piece. I don't see him being a possible 30 goal man as some do, but you've got to keep rolling with it for now.
Filatov, even with his early struggles, could have been the one to get a very long look at that top left wing spot early in the season. However, he immediately annoyed his coach in the first week of the season. At one practice, Paul Maclean yelled to Filatov and Bobby Butler, “You guys want to be part of this or what?” Filatov was in the minors after 2 appearances.
Filatov's interviews still range from smug to impatient to slightly arrogant. He also famously retreated back to the KHL in the middle of Columbus' season last year, impossible to overlook in a discussion about character.
Top line minutes are really his only chance to find confidence and success with this team. Instead, he's getting 5 minutes a night, playing with Jesse Winchester and Zenon Konopka. Hopefully, he finds his way, either here or in the AHL. If not, he might be back in the KHL by Christmas. By the way, Monday is the 2 year anniversary of Filatov's last NHL goal.
There's a moral to this story. Something like, if you have a poor attitude and work ethic, you won't do well in this world. But then Jungle defies that logic every single day. So, you know, forget I mentioned it.
